Just as anorexia is a condition in which one's perception is separated from reality, Paprocki noted, gender dysphoria is a similar separation of perception and reality, and those with the condition should be helped to accept reality rather than their false perception of it.
"None the less, the presentation of this truth must be made with love, compassion, and patience. As the policy itself states, our schools, parishes and other institutions embrace with compassion those families and individuals with gender dysphoria and patiently supports them in their journey," he said.
"However, it must be clear that our schools and Church institutions (including sacramental records and school records) will refer to such persons with the gender pronouns, along with bathroom and locker room use and sports activities that acknowledge their God-given biology."
"Some families may not be willing to agree with this approach, and we need to respect their freedom; but they must likewise respect the Church's duty to adhere to revealed truth if they are to participate actively and fully in our faith community, especially our Catholic schools," he added.
One group that has expressed disagreement with and dismay at the policy is DignityUSA, an advocacy group "Celebrating the wholeness and holiness of LGBTQI Catholics."
In a statement, Marianne Duddy-Burke, Executive Director of DignityUSA, said Paprocki's pastoral guide is "perilous to the physical and mental health of transgender and nonbinary people" because it displays "a dangerous and willful ignorance of current medical and mental health standards."
In his guide, Paprocki noted that it was not sufficient as a whole response to the growing transgender movement and the threats that it poses, but that it was "a foundation of clarity and certainty regarding Church teaching regarding human biology, sexuality, and morality."
He urged pastors and school leaders to come to the Vicar for Priests and the Vicar General or the Superintendent of Schools for further guidance on particular situations involving gender dysphoria and gender identity.